Automatic Soap Dispensers

Touchless Soap Dispensers: What You Need to Know

Hand soap is a necessary part of any restroom, and commercial settings need commercial quantities. Restaurants, office spaces, and healthcare facilities all need to provide their workers and guests with access to more soap than a tiny residential pump dispenser can provide. Automatic soap dispensers provide the high volume large establishments need with a couple of added benefits beyond a lever- or button-activated dispenser.

First off, touchless soap dispensers give you the power to regulate how much soap is used with each dispensation. This ensures your guests and workers use neither too much nor too little soap, which saves you money and promotes healthy habits. Secondly, having an electric soap dispenser removes one potential contact point from your washroom – with a normal soap dispenser, pre-washed hands must touch the lever or button, potentially spreading germs.

Common Questions About Automatic Soap Dispensers

How does an automatic soap dispenser work?

Electric soap dispensers have a small, battery-powered motor that is connected to a sensor. When the sensor is triggered by someone placing their hand under the dispenser, the motor activates and pumps out a set amount of soap. Most automatic soap dispensers have status lights to alert the user when the battery is low. Depending on the specific unit you choose, battery life will vary. Some utilize multiple large batteries to give you as much time as possible before you have to replace them, while others are simply more energy efficient. Consult the product specification page to see how long a single set of batteries can be expected to last on a particular unit.

Should I get a countertop- or wall-mounted automatic soap dispenser?

Wall-mounted automatic soap dispensers are usually easier to install than countertop models. You won't have to cut into the countertop with a wall-mounted unit. The main differences between countertop and wall-mounted are aesthetics and ease of installation. Many of the countertop models are sleek and can be chosen to match your existing faucet to fit in right beside it, while wall-mounted units might stand out a bit more.

On the other hand, an automatic dispenser with wall mount is easier to install and doesn't require extra space around the sink. If your sinks are fairly small, wall-mounted touchless soap dispensers would be the best way to utilize the space, as you don't want your soap dispensers to get in the way of proper handwashing.

How do I refill an automatic soap dispenser?

Most wall-mounted automatic soap dispensers will have a key slot or button that gives the user access to the unit's interior. The empty soap bag or box can then be removed and replaced with a full one. Batteries can also be replaced in the interior.

Counter dispensers have soap bottles attached underneath the counter. In this case, no key is needed unless the counter has locked cabinets underneath it. The bottle only needs to be twisted and removed before a new bottle can be screwed on.